Indonesian Air Force
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| Indonesian Air Force | |
|---|---|
 Tentara Nasional Indonesia · Public domain · source | |
| Unit name | Indonesian Air Force |
| Native name | Tentara Nasional Indonesia Angkatan Udara |
| Caption | Emblem of the Indonesian Air Force |
| Founded | 9 April 1946 |
| Country | Indonesia |
| Branch | Air force |
| Role | Aerial warfare |
| Size | 37,850 personnel (2023) |
| Command structure | Indonesian National Armed Forces |
| Garrison | Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base, East Jakarta |
| Motto | Swa Bhuwana Paksa, (Wings of the Motherland) |
| Anniversaries | 9 April |
| Battles | Indonesian National Revolution, Operation Trikora, Indonesia–Malaysia confrontation, Indonesian invasion of East Timor, Insurgency in Aceh |
| Commander1 | Air Chief Marshal Fadjar Prasetyo |
| Commander1 label | Chief of Staff |
| Identification symbol label | Roundel |
| Aircraft attack | Embraer EMB 314 Super Tucano |
| Aircraft electronic | Boeing 737 AEW&C |
| Aircraft fighter | Su-27, Su-30, F-16 Fighting Falcon |
| Aircraft helicopter | AS332, Bell 412 |
| Aircraft patrol | CN-235 MPA |
| Aircraft recon | T-6 Texan II |
| Aircraft trainer | KT-1B, T-50i |
| Aircraft transport | C-130, A400M, C-295 |
Indonesian Air Force. The Indonesian Air Force, officially the Tentara Nasional Indonesia Angkatan Udara, is the aerial warfare branch of the Indonesian National Armed Forces. It was founded on 9 April 1946 during the Indonesian National Revolution and is headquartered at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base in Jakarta. The service operates a diverse fleet of aircraft from nations including the United States, Russia, and various European and Asian partners, tasked with defending the sovereignty of the archipelago.
History
The service's origins trace directly to the formation of the Indonesian People's Security Air Force amid the Indonesian National Revolution against the Netherlands. Early operations utilized a handful of captured Japanese aircraft, such as the Yokosuka K5Y, and played a symbolic role in the conflict. Following independence, it participated in key operations like the campaign for West New Guinea during Operation Trikora and the Indonesia–Malaysia confrontation. The political turmoil of the 30 September Movement in 1965 significantly impacted its leadership and structure. Later decades saw involvement in the Indonesian invasion of East Timor and counter-insurgency roles during the Insurgency in Aceh.
Organization
The force is led by the Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Air Force, currently Air Chief Marshal Fadjar Prasetyo, who reports to the Commander of the Indonesian National Armed Forces. Its operational commands include the National Air Defense Command in Jakarta, the First Air Force Command covering western Indonesia from Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base, the Second Air Force Command based at Abdul Rachman Saleh Air Force Base in Malang for central regions, and the Third Air Force Command in Makassar responsible for the east. Key support elements are the Air Force Education and Training Command and the Air Force Operations and Training Command.
Aircraft
Its inventory features multirole fighters like the F-16 Fighting Falcon and the Sukhoi Su-30. The transport fleet is anchored by the Lockheed C-130 Hercules and includes newer types such as the Airbus A400M Atlas and CASA C-295. Special mission aircraft comprise the Boeing 737 AEW&C for airborne early warning and the CN-235 maritime patrol variant. Training is conducted on the KT-1B and the T-50i, while light attack duties are handled by the Embraer EMB 314 Super Tucano. Helicopter support includes the Eurocopter AS332 Super Puma.
Bases
Major operational bases are spread across the archipelago, with the headquarters at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base in East Jakarta. Other strategically significant installations include Hasanuddin Air Force Base near Makassar, Iswahjudi Air Force Base in Madiun, and Abdul Rachman Saleh Air Force Base in East Java. The Ranai Air Force Base on Natuna Islands is key for operations in the South China Sea, while Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport and Soekarno–Hatta International Airport also host military units.
Ranks and insignia
The rank structure is divided into commissioned officers, non-commissioned officers, and enlisted personnel, mirroring the systems of many global air forces. Officer ranks range from Second Lieutenant to the highest rank of Marshal of the Indonesian Air Force, though the latter is an honorary wartime rank. Insignia are worn on shoulder boards for officers and sleeve chevrons for enlisted ranks, with distinct designs for flight crews. The rank of the service chief is typically Air Chief Marshal, equivalent to a four-star general.
Future developments
Modernization efforts under the Minimum Essential Force doctrine continue, with a major focus on acquiring new fighter aircraft, including participation in the KF-21 Boramae program with South Korea. Plans include additional squadrons of the Dassault Rafale and the potential procurement of the Boeing F-15EX Eagle II. Upgrades to existing fleets like the F-16 Fighting Falcon to F-16V Viper standard are underway. The service also seeks to enhance its air defense network with new radar systems and surface-to-air missiles, while expanding its aerial refueling and strategic airlift capabilities.
Category:Military of Indonesia Category:Air forces by country